Understanding Binge Eating Disorder Severity

Reconsidering Severity Classification for Binge Eating Disorder (BED): the Role of Impulsivity, Compulsivity and Co-occurring Disorders

This study is trying to see how different factors affect the severity of Binge Eating Disorder in people looking for treatment or weight loss surgery to improve how we manage the condition.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 200 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Laval University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Québec and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT05149859 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to improve the assessment of Binge Eating Disorder (BED) severity by examining the impulsivity-compulsivity spectrum, emotional regulation, attentional impairment, and associated somatic or psychiatric comorbidities. The researchers hypothesize that a better understanding of these factors will help distinguish between severe and milder forms of BED. Participants will include individuals eligible for bariatric surgery and those seeking treatment for BED, with assessments conducted at specialized clinics in Québec. The findings could lead to enhanced management strategies for BED.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include men and women aged 18 and older with a BMI of 30 or higher who are seeking treatment for obesity or BED.

Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological disorders, previous bariatric surgery, or those unable to understand French may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective screening and treatment strategies for individuals with Binge Eating Disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach to assessing BED severity is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding eating disorders and their comorbidities.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* men or women aged 1
* participants eligible for bariatric surgery (BMI\>40, or BMI\>35 with severe comorbidities)
* participants scheduled for medical evaluation and treatment of obesity at the IUCPQ Obesity Clinic (BMI≥30)
* participants scheduled for evaluation and treatment of BED at the CEPIA with obesity (BMI≥30)
* for the group with BED: positive BEDS-7 screen and Binge Eating Scale score \>16;
* for the control group: have a negative BEDS-7 screen and Binge Eating Scale score\<12
* be fluent in French and able to consent.

Exclusion criteria :

* participants with severe neurological disorder and/or major neurocognitive deficits;
* participants with previous bariatric surgery or with introduction or change of anti-obesity medication (liraglutide or naltrexone/bupropion) in the previous 3 months;
* participants who cannot read and/or understand French;
* participants under guardianship or curatorship;
* participants already included in a study with a conflict of interest with this study;
* inability to use a computer or iPad;
* inability to access an Internet connection or to visit one of the inclusion sites.

Secondary exclusion criteria:

* participants with a discordance between BEDS-7 (positive) and Binge Eating Scale (score ≤ 16) results found secondarily
* participants who did not participate in part of the assessments (e.g., self-questionnaires or neurocognitive tests) and participants with a rate of missing data\>10%.

Where this trial is running

Québec and 1 other locations

• Centre d'expertise Poids, Image et Alimentation (CEPIA) — Québec, Canada (Not_yet_recruiting)
• Iucpq — Québec, Canada (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Sylvain Iceta — Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, University Laval
• Study coordinator: Sylvain Iceta, MD, PhD

Conditions Binge-Eating Disorder; Impulsivity; Obesity; Attention; Emotional regulation